ONLINE THERAPY: WHAT’S THE DEAL?
Online therapy has been a (steadily) growing field but only gained attraction during the quarantine of 2020. Since everything has been moved to the online mode: classes, meetings, and birthdays, the telemental health services also took the opportunity to make mental health accessible in all ways possible.
There are many reasons why people aren’t too open to idea of online therapy. One of the reasons is privacy. People in lock-down don’t have a lot of privacy in their houses and talking about disturbing things can be risky for them. A lot of people are apprehensive about online therapy because they feel that it does not have the charm or the appeal of in-person therapy. While your fears are valid, there’s no denying that online therapy is helpful or effective. In fact, there’s a research that proves the effectiveness of online therapy.
And if you have switched to online therapy but find it difficult to adjust to, we have some tips on how to make it better.
Here’s how:
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Make Space!
One of the most important aspects of therapy is the space. Rooms are designated in a hospital or a clinical practice, and that’s why most people come there. They enjoy having a physical space to talk about things. But in online therapy, it is up to the clients to create their own space. It can be anywhere: your balcony, your room or your terrace; any place that can give you some sort of privacy to talk. However, if you can’t find privacy in your house, then you can request for a messaging session, and text your therapist instead. It can be used as a last resort and can be efficient.
The perfect place, in our opinion is the terrace. If you have a terrace at you building or home, use your space! It’s peaceful and quiet enough for you to talk.
If you can’t use your balcony or terrace and still can’t find space, it is highly recommended for you to exercise those assertive skills to ask for your space for one hour per week. This goes a long way in your self-healing journey.
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Be early.
The most important aspect to make the most of online therapy is to be on time, or be early. It is preferred if you are five to ten minutes early. Because this implies that you have set up your systems and are ready for your session.
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Set your systems earlier.
Set your systems: computer, phone or tablet before your session starts. This is essential. It is because it has less chance of your systems crashing midway which can impact your therapy session and the time you have left with your therapist. Make sure you Zoom or Skype is working well before you get on the call.
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Speak a lot.
In online therapy, you lose the physical sense of the sessions. Which means your therapist won’t be able to understand your nonverbals. To make the most of online therapy, keep talking about how you feel and try to be specific. Don’t be afraid to speak up, this what the whole experience is about.
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Trust the process.
Online therapy can be a little intimidating. It might take time for you to be comfortable to talk over phone as opposed to seeing your therapist. But it gets better over time. Keep persisting and keep a track of your sessions. It is essential that you keep up with your appointments, or the rapport you build over it can be lost. You should address your concerns about online therapy to your therapist and work out ways that can help you make the most of the online method of therapy.
Pause for Perspective has also turned to the online mode until the lock-down is called off. We work all week (even on Sundays!) from 10 AM to 7:30PM. You can book a session with us. We know and understand your concerns about online therapy but with collaboration from both sides, we can definitely make the most of it and enjoy it. You can learn more about it here!
Omaiha Walajahi
Writer
Pause for Perspective